The SPM4.0 consortium convened at Charité–Berlin for its first training workshop and mid-term meeting, reinforcing scientific collaboration and supporting the development of the project’s doctoral researchers. The sessions offered a comprehensive overview of ongoing scientific progress and future training activities. This milestone moment further strengthened coordination across the network and set the pace for upcoming project objectives.
Researchers and partners of the SPM4.0 consortium gathered in Berlin from 17 to 21 November for a week dedicated to training, coordination and scientific exchange. The event, hosted by Charité–Berlin, combined the project’s first training workshop with its mid-term meeting, marking a significant step forward for this Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN). The SPM4.0 network is led by Gabriel Gomila, Professor at the University of Barcelona (UB), ICREA Academia, and Principal Investigator of IBEC’s Nanoscale Bioelectrical Characterisation group and also counts with the participation of the Bacterial infections: Antimicrobial Therapies group, led by IBEC and UB researcher Eduard Torrents.
The goal of the project is to train young researchers to develop autonomous, AI-powered Scanning Probe Microscopes for advanced applications in life sciences and medicine, to achieve real-time, high-resolution and label-free nanoscale imaging of biological samples under physiological conditions. By integrating expertise in SPM, machine learning, robotics and biophysics, SPM4.0 seeks to overcome current limitations of existing technologies and to broaden their use in biomedical research. Its training programme combines scientific and technical modules with complementary skills to prepare doctoral candidates for leading roles in nanoscience, biophysics and biomedical innovation.
Over four intensive days, fifteen out of sixteen doctoral candidates, recruited across the different institutions participating in the project, met in person for the first time. The workshop inaugurated a series of six training events designed to provide the researchers with solid scientific and transversal skills. Experts from academia and industry delivered theoretical sessions and hands-on training in areas central to SPM4.0’s mission: Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), Machine Learning, and BioMicroscopy.
The programme introduced four main modules. Participants explored the foundations of machine learning and statistical inference; microscopy techniques used in life sciences and medicine; the principles and operation of atomic force microscopy; and essential approaches for processing and analysing SPM images.
The last day of the week, 21st of November, was reserved for the mid-term meeting with the project officer and brought together doctoral candidates, supervisors, principal investigators, the project manager and the communication officer. The project officer provided an overview of the monitoring process and offered guidance on key aspects of project implementation. Presentations from the coordinator and the management team reviewed scientific progress, recruitment, training activities, reporting, and upcoming deliverables.
Doctoral candidates also presented their background and research objectives before meeting individually with the project officer to discuss their integration within the network. At the same time, principal investigators held dedicated sessions to address coordination and management topics. The day concluded with general feedback from the project officer to the entire consortium followed by individual Assessment Commissions, in which experts from the consortium evaluated the progress of each doctoral project and provided constructive recommendations for the next steps.
This successful meeting in Berlin reinforces the collaborative spirit of SPM4.0 and sets a strong foundation for the coming phases of training and research across the consortium.
